Flying target



R. E. CLYNE FLYING TARGET March 3, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 26.1950 INVENTOR [Mm-14% ATTORNEYS R. E. CLYNE FLYING TARGET March 3, 19533 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 26, 1950 65 Jgll.

1 N VENTOR Iafierilllyzze ATTORNEYS March 3, 1953 R. E. CLYNE I2,630,321

FLYING TARGET Filed Jafi. 26, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR ATTORNEYSPatented Mar. 3, 1953 FLYING TARGET Robert E. Clyne, Monroe Township,Miami County, Ohio Application January 26, 1950, Serial No. 140,715

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to targets and particularly to flying targetsintended to simulate the actions of a live bird.

The invention generally comprises a target structure having fragilemeans defining flightsustaining and guiding surfaces and aself-contained propelling device, the arrangement being such that uponbeing struck by a missile from a gun such as a shot gun, at least someof the surfaces of the target will be destroyed or torn and upset theflight characteristics of the target whereby it will simulate theactions of a bird that has been struck by a similar missile. The flyingtarget of the present invention comprises generally a flight-sustainingstructure and propelling means consisting of a capsule of compressed gaswhich, when released, provides jet propulsion for the target. Thecapsule is sufiiciently heavy and so located that upon even partialdestruction of the flight-sustaining surfaces, the target will moveerratically and drop substantially vertically to the ground quite near apoint directly below the position in which it was hit.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a flying targetadapted to simulate the flight of a bird and the action of a bird hit bya missile from a shotgun or the like.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a flying targetthat is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and of light shippingweight.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a flying targetcapable of being readily launched in the desired direction without thenecessity of providing complicated or expensive launching equipment.

Further objects and advantages will appear as the description proceedsin connection with the accompanying drawings wherein Figs. 1, 2 and 3are, respectively, rear side, and top views of one embodiment of theinvention.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of a further embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of Fi 4.

Fig. 6 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6of Fig. 4.

Fig. '7 is a detailed elevational view taken substantially along theline 'l-| of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the capsule-retaining clip shown in section inFig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the modification of Fig. 4.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are, respectively, top plan,

rear elevation and side elevational views of a third embodiment of theinvention.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantiallyalong the line {3-13 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is an elevational view of the inflatable member andcapsule-supporting pouch of the modification of Figs. 10-12.

Figs. 15 and 16 are, respectively, bottom and side views of a stillfurther modification and Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken substantiallyalong the line Ill-H of Fig. 16 with the capsule shown in elevation. 1

Referring now to the modification of Figs. 1-3 there is shown a flyingtarget having a generally triangular framework comprised of thin strips2 of stiff, light-weight material such as balsa wood or the like, whichare overlapped at the corners of the triangle and suitably cemented orotherwise joined together. The triangular framework thus provided iscovered with a sheet or membrane of thin material such as tissue paper,thin plastc or the like 4, stretched over the triangular frame andsuitably cemented to the frame members 2. A sheet of suitable fragilematerial 6 is folded in such a manner as to define a generally pyramidalstructure having edge flaps 8 which are cemented to the upper surface ofthe membrane 4 to define guiding surfaces extending generally fore andaft of the target to maintain it on a predetermined course.

A strut member l8, which may be of the same material as the members 2,is cemented or otherwise attached at its ends to the adjacent rearcorners of the triangular framework described above and is so bowed thatit extends downwardly as indicated in Fig. l. A motor support strut 20is cemented at one end to the leading corner of the triangular framestructure and cemented or otherwise attached to the member i8 near itsmid-point to define a downwardly and rearwardly extending supportingstructure.

The motor comprises a capsule 22 of com,- pressed gas having apuncturable seal in the reduced end portion 24. The capsule 22 may be ofconventional construction and of a type readily available on the marketcontaining a charge of compressed carbon dioxide gas. Suitable tapes orbands 26 affix the capsule 22 to the motor support bar 20 adjacent theleading or front end thereof and the arrangement is such that the axisof the capsule is directed downwardly and rearwardly of theflight-sustaining membrane 4. The bands 26 may be of an adhesive natureor may be endless rubber bands.

in such capsules is sufficient to sustain flight of the targetthroughout the usual range desired in shooting at such mechanicaltargets.

It will be evident that the Weight of the .capsule 22 is such, relativeto the size of theflighF sustaining surfaces, that when the propellantgas is exhausted, the target willinotrglide to a.

landing, but will head substantially ,vertically downward and many ofsuch targets may be reclaimed for further use. themembrane 4 and thesheet 6 are of fragile material and-may comprise thinplastic material orthin-paper. During target practice with such a target, in the-event ashot strikes either the flight-sustaining or direction control surfaces,that surface will be brokenor shattered to such an extent thatthe'target will flutter and then drop substantially vertically totheground in life-like simulation of the'actionsof a real bird undersimilar circumstances.

Figs. 4-9 illustrate a further embodiment'of the invention whereintheflight-sustaining and guiding surfaces are provided-by sheet material ofa self-sustaining character, yet suificiently fragile to shatter orbreak-upon 'being' struck by a missile. The flight-sustaining"wings" arepreferably formedof a relatively thin sheet of plastic material andmaybe shaped to anydesired outline, such as the triangular shape shown inFig. 9. Thedirection control surfaces are defined by a folded pyramidalstructure32, preferably of the same material as the wings 30. The wingstructures 30 are 'provided-with'elongated slots or openings 34 and 36(see Figs. -6 and 7) and the lowermost edges of the structure 32 areprovided with downwardly projecting'hookshaped-tabs 38 and40.'-'Preferably'twotabs 38 are provided, one at each lowermostedge ofthe rear portion of the stru'cture32 and onetab 40 is providednearthe'front'of the'stru'cture 32.

The tabs 38 are first insertedin the-openings 34 and the structure 32then moved or slid forwardly to engage the hook portion of the'tab 38with the undersurface of thewing structure 30 and to position the tab 40over the opening 36; The

tab 40 is then lowered through the opening to the position shown inFig.6. A clip member 42,preferably of metalhaving'springcha'racteristics, has an upwardly extending portion 44providedwith'an opening 46 and a tab'"48; The base portion ofthe-clip-42 extends upwardly through the opening '36. H The springlikenature of the clip 42 permitsthe'tab -48 thereof to be inserted in anopening 52 in thewing structure- 301and permits: the endportion 48 to besprung rearwardlylsufiiciently farto receive the tab "48. Upon releaseofthe end portion 43,- it will 's'pring forwardlyito engage the'rearmostedge 54 of the opening .50 in .thezhook portion of .the tab to therebyhold the entireistructurer in assembled As previously described,

relation. The end portion 48 of the clip 42 is also provided withlateral ears 56 bent rearwardly in the manner shown to engage and retainthe forward end of a capsule 22. The neck portion 24 of the capsuleextends rearwardly and downwardly through the opening 46 in the portion44 of the clip.

Theoperational characteristics of the modification of Figsirt) are thesame as those described in connection with Figs. 1-3 and need not berepeated. It is to be noted, however, that the component parts of thismodification are readilylseparable and may be shipped and storedseparately, thus conserving considerable space,

and'ass'embled as needed. In the event such a target flies through itsentire course without beingxstruck by .a missile, it is quite likelythat at leastcertain of the component parts thereof may be salvaged forfurther use.

Referring now to Figs. 10-14, showing a further' modification, a Wingstructure 60 is shown as comprising a single sheet of fragile materialsuch as stiff paper, which may be impregnated with a suitablestiffeningmaterial, or a sheet of plastic having the desired characteristics.- Tothe undersurface of the Wing structure 60 a hollow pyramidal structure62 is cemented or otherwise fastened by means of flaps-64 to define acompartment 65 therein tapering forwardly toward the front or leadingedge of the target.- The outer surfaces of the structure 62 compriseguiding'surfaces to maintain the target substantially on a predeterminedcourse. The compartment 65 defined by the structure 62 is provided onits underside with-an opening 66 (see Figs. 10 and 13). The opening 66is a relatively elongated narrow opening near the-front portion of thestructure 62 and extends forwardly and rear- Wardly of the target on-adownwardly and rear- Wardlydirected portion of the structure 62. Aninflatable bag, such as a rubber balloon 68 is of a shape tosubstantially fill the compartment 65 when inflatedand hasattachedthereto, such as by being vulcanized thereto or integrallyformed therewith, a pouch l0.-"The'pouch I0 may-be of the same-materialas the inflatable member 68 and is preferably of a shape to snuglyreceive and frictionally grip a capsule 22 of the-usual construction.The-pouch-lll is of generally cylindrical shape and has an open end 7 2through which'the neck portion 24 of the-capsule 22 projects and aclosed end 13. The connection between the pouch !0 and theinflatablemember 68 is generally of the same size and shape as the opening 66previously described so that the device may be assembled by insertingthe inflatable member 68 in the compartment 65 with the pouch 10locatedoutwardly of the compartment and the area-joining=said pouch tothe inflatable member located within' the'opening 66.

Wh'enthe'member 68 is fully'inflated, it will be clear that the pouchliland-thecapsule 22 therein will b'e 'held in relatively fixed relation tothe rigid portions of the target whereby to propel the targetin thepredetermined direction.

The wing structure of this modification 'neednot be frangible but thestructure 62 is of material that may be readilyipenetrated by shot fromashotzgun or other missile. -In the event a shooter fires with sufficientaccuracy to hit the structure 62;fthe"shot. will penetrate the materialthereof and rupture the inflatable member ES, permitting it tocollapseriUpon collapse of the member 68 the pouch T0 and capsule 22therein will no longer beheld-in flxedrela-tion to the target' but mayfreely swing relative thereto in an unpredictable manner. Clearly suchaction of the capsule 22 while compressed gas is issuing therefrom willresult in extremely erratic movements of the target with resultant lossof flying speed and the target will descend substantially vertically,again in simulation of the actions of a live bird that has been hit in avital spot.

A still further modification of the invention is illustrated in Figs.15-1'7 wherein the entire target, including flight-sustaining andguiding surfaces, comprises an inflatable member 80 that may be providedwith longitudinally extending surfaces 82 defining directional controlsurfaces and a relatively large expanse of generally horizontal surfaces84, defining flight-sustaining areas. The inflatable member 80 hasmolded or cemented thereto a pouch 86, similar to the pouch described inconnection with the previous modification, adapted to receive andfrictionally hold a capsule 22 in position to project from the rearmostopen end thereof. The pouch 86 may be formed integrally with the body 89and of the same material or may be separately formed and attachedthereto by a subsequent operation. Preferably the material of the body80 and pouch 8'5 is thin, vulcanized rubber similar to that employed inthe fabrication of toy balloons. As shown, particularly in Fig. 16, thebody 80 when inflated will assume a relatively rigid shape and will holdthe pouch 86 and capsule 82 in fixed relation thereto wherein the neck24 of the capsule 22 is directed rearwardly and downwardly and whereinthe capsule is supported adjacent the front or leading end of thetarget.

This modification of the invention has all of the characteristics of thepreviously described embodiments in that upon loss of flying speed thetarget will not glide to a remote point, but will descend substantiallyvertically and if not struck by a missile, may be reclaimed. In theevent the target is struck by a shot while it is in flight, clearly theinflatable body 80 will burst and the structure that remains will nolonger have flight-sustaining characteristics but will drop verticallyto the ground in simulation of a bird that has been shot.

Although a limited number of embodiments have been shown andspecifically described, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited thereto but may embody other modifications falling fairly withinthe scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A flying target comprising, an inflatable flexible member, a supportfor a capsule of compressed gas fixed to a wall of said member at aplurality of points spaced a substantial distance apart in the directionof flight of said target, said support adapted to hold a capsule ofcompressed gas in relatively fixed position relative to said wall whensaid member is inflated whereby a jet from said capsule will propel saidtarget in a predetermined direction and whereby the direction of saidjet relative to said target may change in an unpredictable manner whensaid member is punctured and collapsed.

2. A flying target comprising, a relatively rigid wing structure offragile material, a hollow compartment fixed to said wing structure onthe underside thereof, an opening of substantial extent through thebottom of said compartment, a flexible inflatable member in saidcompartment, a pouch adapted to hold a rigid capsule of compressed gas,said pouch being fixed to said inflatable member at a plurality ofspaced points through said opening whereby a capsule in said pouch isheld in fixed relation to said target when said member is inflated butfreely swingable relative thereto when said member is deflated.

3. A flying target comprising, a relatively rigid frame structure, meanson said frame structure for swingably supporting a capsule of compressedgas, a flexible inflatable member carried by said frame structure andarranged thereon to establish predetermined flight characteristics forsaid target and connected to said capsule supporting means to hold thelatter in fixed relation to said frame only when said member is inflatedto thereby determine the direction of flight of said target whenpropelled by gas issuing from said capsule and whereby deflation of saidmember during flight of said target will change the flightcharacteristics thereof and release said capsule for swinging movementto cause erratic movements of said target.

4. A flying target comprising: a frame, means on said frame forsupporting a capsule of compressed gas, said means being movable to aplurality of positions relative to said frame to direct a jet issuingfrom said capsule in different directions relative to said frame, aflexible inflatable member carried by said frame, means connecting saidmember to said capsule supporting means to hold said supporting means inone of said positions when said member is inflated and to release saidsupporting means whereby it may assume another of said positions uponrupture of said member to thereby change the direction of flight of saidtarget.

ROBERT E. CLYNE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 303,885 Ridge Aug. 19, 18841,925,427 Wurtzer Sept. 5, 1933 2,545,586 Pollack Mar. 20, 1951 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 10,349 Great Britain 1902 493,086 GermanyMar. 3, 1930 574,536 Great Britain Jan. 9, 1946 OTHER REFERENCES PopularScience Monthly (page 152), July 1945.

